Starting to Gain Experience from Push-Ups Chapter 1291 - 626:

In mere moments, the spatial rift sealed itself completely, severing the connection between the two dimensions once more.

Fang Cheng felt completely assured that even if the Special Search Team scoured that area with extreme thoroughness, they would uncover absolutely no evidence.

Subsequently, he dug out Ma Donghe and Hou Peng, who had been interred by the chaotic debris of the struggle, from beneath a heap of mud and rocks.

Pulling the disoriented pair to their feet, Fang Cheng swiftly retreated from the now-ruined landscape.

The pervasive mist within West Mountain's core possessed potent hallucinogenic qualities, easily capable of disorienting one's senses.

A multitude of participants had become utterly lost amidst the dense woods, their movements akin to frantic, directionless insects.

While Fang Cheng remained entirely unaffected, he chose to seek out a secluded cave for respite, both to avoid drawing undue attention and because Ma Donghe and Hou Peng genuinely required medical attention.

He started by expertly resetting their dislocated bones before kindling a fire within the cave and initiating a impromptu barbecue.

The mutated wild boar that Ma Donghe had mentioned earlier became the centerpiece of their feast, its fat sizzling enticingly over the flames, transforming into the most delectable roasted meat they had ever tasted.

The trio savored their gourmet meal, resting comfortably within the cave's confines for several hours.

As the first hints of dawn appeared, they casually proceeded to the finish line, arriving precisely on schedule.

Along their route, they encountered numerous examinees, their faces smudged with dirt and their bodies radiating exhaustion.

From overheard conversations, they gathered that the stationed forces of the Special Search Team had observed multiple distress flares originating from the examination zone the previous night. Alarmed by potential severe safety breaches in West Mountain, they had consequently launched an extensive, comprehensive search operation.

Fang Cheng, having already anticipated potential complications, had mentally prepared a contingency plan.

He had even coordinated impeccable alibis with Ma Donghe and Hou Peng, should they face interrogation upon entering the camp.

However, the outcome was surprisingly uneventful.

His gaze subtly drifted towards the eastern perimeter of the encampment.

Several robust off-road vehicles were parked in the open area, their exteriors caked with mud, and their exhaust pipes still emitting plumes of white vapor.

A handful of examiners were engaged in an animated discussion over a map spread across the hood of an engine.

Fang Cheng immediately recognized the two Special Search Team officers who had spearheaded the mountain search efforts the previous night.

The powerfully built male examiner and the woman in the pristine white uniform, complete with high heels.

Both appeared profoundly fatigued as they meticulously reviewed a thick search report, paying no heed to the assembled group of examinees.

There was no preferential treatment, no intrusive questioning.

From the official standpoint, Fang Cheng and his companions were simply another contingent among hundreds of bedraggled individuals who had fortunately completed the ordeal.

"Say, based on our performance in the exam, what department do you think we'll be assigned to after we officially join?"

Ma Donghe, perched atop a stack of military supply crates and seemingly oblivious to his injuries, began to elaborate on his future aspirations:

"I reckon the Equipment Department would be quite pleasant. Just cleaning weapons daily, no necessity for front-line risks, yet still managing to lead a comfortable existence."

"The Equipment Department does sound appealing, but it mandates strong academic qualifications. At our current standing, it might prove rather demanding."

Despite the discomfort, Hou Peng winced, yet a gleam of enthusiasm flickered in his eyes as he eagerly chimed into the conversation:

"My preference lies with the Intelligence Department. One simply sits in an air-conditioned office, tapping away at a keyboard, analyzing and compiling various pieces of intelligence."

"It's not only secure, but occasionally offers opportunities for fieldwork, much like a business trip disguised as tourism on the company's dime."

With that said, he turned his attention to Fang Cheng, his voice imbued with genuine admiration:

"Regardless of the assignment, I shall defer to Brother Fang's decisions. Had he not rescued me last night, I surely would have met my end in those woods."

"Indeed, indeed, yes! The three of us, let's look out for one another within the Special Search Team and strive for greater strength together!"

Ma Donghe declared, striking his thigh with considerable force, his excitement momentarily overriding his pain.

The sudden movement inadvertently aggravated his wound, causing him to gasp sharply in pain, his entire face contorting.

Fang Cheng observed their amusing display, a gentle smile gracing his lips, choosing not to diminish their evident cheerfulness.

At this very moment, a perfectly round sun finally crested the distant mountain range.

Brilliant golden rays of the morning pierced through the dense pine forest, gradually dissipating the lingering wisps of mist.

The distinctively crisp morning air, mingling with the refreshing aroma of pine and cypress, allowed the examinees to finally release the tension that had gripped them throughout the long night.

As per the announcement broadcasted earlier, the physical fitness examination had officially concluded. The compilation of the results was anticipated to take approximately one week.

Following the examination supervisor's concluding remarks, all participants were permitted to board the troop transport vehicles situated outside the camp for their return journey to the East City District.

"Gurgle—"

Ma Donghe's stomach loudly protested, its emptiness demanding attention.

"Time to eat! I’ve been awake all night, and now I’m hungry enough to devour a whole ox."

The trio followed their guide towards the mess tent situated at the rear of the encampment.

The Special Search Team’s logistical support was truly commendable and considerate.

Arranged along long rows of metallic tables was an array of steaming, hot dishes.

Although the presentation was simple, the sheer abundance of food made it incredibly satisfying, and it was all self-service.

There were soft, filled buns, a hearty porridge brimming with seafood and minced meat, baskets piled high with boiled eggs, and large platters of sizzling beef steaks.

Ma Donghe’s eyes lit up with avarice as he grabbed a tray, immediately stacking buns and steaks into a precarious, miniature mountain, taking bites while drooling.

Hou Peng, equally eager, reached for the food on the table without delay.

Fang Cheng’s hunger, in fact, was even more profound than theirs.

The series of intense actions and aerial maneuvers from the previous night had significantly drained his physical reserves.

Even though he had consumed roasted wild boar in the cave earlier, the portion had been woefully insufficient.

Devouring most of a whole leg of boar alone still hadn't been enough to fill the gnawing emptiness.

However, in the public's view, Fang Cheng managed to maintain a facade of composure.

While holding his tray, he only took nine large meat buns, six steaks, and a bowl of the seafood and minced meat porridge.

He then proceeded to a corner table, sat down, and deliberately ate and drank at a slow pace, careful not to reveal his astonishingly cavernous appetite.

Just as Fang Cheng was halfway through his hot porridge.

In his line of sight, three individuals clad in torn camouflage uniforms approached directly.

Leading them was Yan Rui, the police academy student.

His closely cropped hair was matted with mud and grime, a bandage adorned his face, and his sharp gaze swept over the attendees, landing precisely on Fang Cheng.

Ma Donghe was currently engrossed in devouring buns, his cheeks incredibly full, and paid no attention.

Hou Peng, however, was notably more perceptive, immediately setting down the boiled egg he held, sitting up straight, and observing the newcomers intently.

Yan Rui halted before their table and extended his right hand forward, initiating the interaction:

"Allow me to reintroduce myself, Yan Rui, a graduate of the National Special Police Officer Academy."

Fang Cheng set down his porridge bowl, retrieved a napkin to wipe the grease from his fingers, and calmly extended his hand for a handshake. "Fang Cheng."

Yan Rui released his grip and leaned in slightly, bringing his face closer to Fang Cheng’s ear.

Then, in a voice audible only to the two of them, he softly stated: "Regarding last night, thank you."

He paused, his tone conveying genuine sincerity. "Rest assured, we three have not mentioned our earlier encounter with you in the woods to the examiners."

Following his words, a faint smile touched Yan Rui’s usually serious expression.

He gave Fang Cheng a nod before turning, guiding his two companions towards a different food serving line.

Fang Cheng remained seated, lifted the remaining half-bowl of minced meat porridge, and his gaze followed Yan Rui’s departing form.

Intriguing.

It was true that Yan Rui and his group had observed him and Grey Eagle veering off-course the previous night to investigate the entrance to the ruins.

Fang Cheng had already prepared a contingency story, intending to shift blame onto a mysterious masked assailant if an official inquiry took place.

Unexpectedly, this police academy student had taken it upon himself to rectify this potential issue.

Was this a form of leverage, or simply a gesture of goodwill?

Fang Cheng replayed Yan Rui’s expression and tone in his memory.

There was no hint of deception; his demeanor was forthright and candid.

It appeared to be genuine consideration.

A subtle smile played on Fang Cheng’s lips.

He then tilted his head back, finishing the remaining meat porridge in a few swift gulps, leaving the bowl clean.

It would seem that this Special Search Team examination had yielded substantial rewards.

He had not only unexpectedly uncovered the secrets of the West Mountain’s ancient civilization ruins, personally venturing into the Otherworld.

More significantly, during the intense combat engagements of the prior night, his proficiency in several fighting techniques had seen marked improvements.

Furthermore, he had even successfully unlocked the near-divine skill of "Flying," as he had eagerly anticipated.

Fang Cheng’s eyes focused on the panel of information, visible only to him, that materialized before him:

[Boxing Experience +30]

[Boxing Lv3 (536/1000)]

[Sanda Experience +30]

[Sanda Lv3 (226/1000)]

[Jujutsu Experience +25]

[Jujutsu Lv2 (482/500)]

[Muay Thai Experience +20]

[Muay Thai Lv2 (471/500)]

Fang Cheng’s gaze sharpened slightly.

His next objective was to utilize the stable environment provided by the Special Search Team to diligently continue honing his skills.

The aim was to upgrade his various combat techniques as rapidly as possible, thereby solidifying his overall strength.